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Post by NWTHabsFan on Nov 16, 2008 21:25:46 GMT -5
One of our lesser known prospects, 20 year old Joe Skejskal, is off to a great start in his sophmore season at Dartmouth College. The 20 year old Minnesotan-born defender, drafted in the 5th round in 2007, scored his fifth goal in five games Friday night. In 32 games last season as a freshman/rookie, he managed one goal and four helpers. He has already matched his point total in just five games with his five goals. This kid has a 100 mph slapshot and plays a big physical game, so apparently that big boomer is hitting the target a bit better this season. After last night's game, please make that six goals in six games for Joe "the Bomb" Skejskal. Dartmouth's Ivy League sched means he will not play a lot of games compared to other NCAA teams, but he must be practicing that shot in between games!! |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Nov 17, 2008 18:45:37 GMT -5
One of our lesser known prospects, 20 year old Joe Skejskal, is off to a great start in his sophmore season at Dartmouth College. The 20 year old Minnesotan-born defender, drafted in the 5th round in 2007, scored his fifth goal in five games Friday night. In 32 games last season as a freshman/rookie, he managed one goal and four helpers. He has already matched his point total in just five games with his five goals. This kid has a 100 mph slapshot and plays a big physical game, so apparently that big boomer is hitting the target a bit better this season. After last night's game, please make that six goals in six games for Joe "the Bomb" Skejskal. Dartmouth's Ivy League sched means he will not play a lot of games compared to other NCAA teams, but he must be practicing that shot in between games!! Any relation to Joe Blfstk of Al Capp fame? I'd love to comment but I am among the 299,000,000 Americans who have never seen him play. Goals are good! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Nov 19, 2008 21:54:36 GMT -5
Pk, the Subbanator, gets one goal and two assists in a big 8-1 win tonight over the Ice Dogs.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Nov 21, 2008 19:31:29 GMT -5
Greg Pateryn (defensive prospect from Grabovski trade) and his Michigan team on the NHL Network in Canada on Friday and Saturday night this weekend...game starts now. The Saturday game is replayed on Sunday at noon eastern for those who want to watch the Wendel Clark retirement ceremony tomorrow night.  |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Nov 21, 2008 23:19:17 GMT -5
Subban had three assists tonight in a 4-3 OT loss.
PK will be part of team OHL against the Russian Selects on Monday night as part of the ADT Challenge that will be televised on Sportsnet.
Also, with so many of Team Canada's WJC team from last year all playing in the NHL this season, PK could be one of the few returning veterans. He should get a much more prominent role on the team this year.
All these things help his development. Next fall he will be competing for a job with the Dogs.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Nov 28, 2008 12:54:20 GMT -5
My latest monthly (or so) instalment of top three prospects:
1. PK Subban - Defence - Belleville (OHL). Hey don't look now, PK was on my last list too. The big reason is this kid has gone from a good training camp to a good first couple of months back in junior. He has 30 points in 24 games so far, and is boasting an impressive +21. He can skate like the wind, and you can see first hand if you check out some of those videos on You Tube where he goes end to end. He also scored with his big blast from the point in the recent ADT Canada-Russia game he played in. With studs like Doughty and Schenn staying with their NHL clubs and not going anywhere this upcoming WJC, look for PK to play a much bigger role with the team come turkey time.
2. Danny Kristo - Forward - Omaha (USHL). Danny had a decent start to his USHL debut, but there were some decent expectations of the US's U-18 captain and Habs' second round pick. Well, his game seems to have ratched up a notch since a recent trip to Camrose, AB of all places. At the World Junior A Challenge hosted there, he scored 7 points in 4 games for the US team that walked away with the gold. He also stepped it up in the game that counted the most, being named the US player of the game in the gold medal blow-out. Since returning back to Omaha, he has picked up his offensive production, scoring 8 points in those 6 games. He now has 16 in 16 for the season. He can skate like the wind and get to other teams with his constant chirping. He will have to work on that -6 in the plus minus category.
3. David Fischer - Defence - Minnesota (NCAA). Remember him? Often written off as a first round bust by many, despite the fact he is only 20 years old. He is finally starting to pull all of his game together. Of course, being on the top ranked team in the nation helps, but it also puts a target on your team each weekend. David is playing a big role and getting lots of ice time, and reflective of his good all round play. He always had great skating ability, but never seemed to get that offense going in his first two NCAA seasons. This year, he looks bigger and more confident. He has 9 points in 11 games, after only recording 14 in 45 games last season. He is not overly physical, but is a strong skater and angles forwards out very effectively.
Honourable mention: Joe Stejskal - Defence - Dartmouth (NCAA). Joe Who? How do you spell that? Anyway, he is a sophmore defensman drafted in the 5th round by the Habs two drafts ago and is quietly putting up wonderful numbers thanks to his booming point shot. He now has 6 goals in 8 games (Ivy League teams don't play much), after only getting one goal in 32 games last year as a freshie. He also is known for his physical play.
p.s. Yes, the Bulldogs could very possibly have populated all or most of this list. I resisted because of the fact their whole team is playing so well and to counter with a chance for some of these other guys to get a little air time.
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Post by halihab on Nov 28, 2008 14:02:37 GMT -5
Thanks for all the updates NWT. Stesjkal looks like an intriguing pick.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Nov 29, 2008 1:44:35 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback halihab.
That PK guy just loves to confirm his status with three more assists tonight in a 3-2 win. Does it get any better than this?
IMO, we are only about two or three years away from a really competitive situation for all those defensive positions. I can hardly wait.
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Post by gy on Nov 29, 2008 15:10:45 GMT -5
If Fischer shoots right, he might eventually become at least a plug-in replacement for the unforgettable Brisebois.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Nov 30, 2008 1:26:40 GMT -5
If Fischer shoots right, he might eventually become at least a plug-in replacement for the unforgettable Brisebois. He does. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Nov 30, 2008 1:29:08 GMT -5
Good night for our kids down in the ECHL. Thomas Beauregard has a career night with four goals and one assist in a 6-3 Cincy win. Elder Latendresse had three helpers to boot.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 3, 2008 22:58:38 GMT -5
Another good night for our ECHL duo.
Olivier Latendresse has a goal and an assist in a 3-1 Cincy win. He now moves into second place in ECHL scoring one point behind the league leader. Beauregard has a helper and sits in fifth place in league scoring just one back of the elder Latendresse.
Our two other guys down in Cincy (Lacasse and St Denis) are both still injured. The Clones traded for Las Vegas goalie Martin Houle (23 year old Montreal native) a few weeks ago and their season has been turned around since his arrival. Their goaltending up to that point was....scary. Lacasse's gaa is over 4.00 as is the guy that Nashville sent down.
Pretty bad stat when you lead the league in both goals for and goals against. Last season they led the league in goals for but were the lowest in goals against. That tends to lead to a championship, and it did!!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 3, 2008 23:04:51 GMT -5
Subban liked being named to the Team Canada selection camp. He ended up with two assists tonight in a big 7-1 Belleville win. Belleville and Windsor are early favourites to clash for the big OHL title so far this early season.
PK now sits 8th in overall OHL scoring, first in assists, and second in points by a defenseman (second only to that hot shot youngster Ryan Ellis).
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 4, 2008 23:01:03 GMT -5
John Tavares and his Oshawa Gens take it to PK and his Bulls tonight 5-2.
PK still able to get one helper to stay second in OHL defencemen scoring, 8th is league scoring and still one little assist ahead in OHL assist lead, just nosing out wonderkid Dman Ellis.
Good news is he had points on 50% of his team's goals tonight.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 9, 2008 0:31:26 GMT -5
Latendresse with a big night helping the Clones to a win tonight. His one goal and two assists means he now leads the league in goals (18) and is second in total points (33), only one point behind the league leader. while Thomas Beauregard is fourth in points.
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Post by BadCompany on Dec 9, 2008 9:25:21 GMT -5
Thanks Newt... I don't get to follow the kids nearly as much as I used to, so for a prospect junkie like myself these updates are great... Keep 'em coming!
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Post by Boston_Habs on Dec 10, 2008 12:05:01 GMT -5
My latest monthly (or so) instalment of top three prospects: 3. David Fischer - Defence - Minnesota (NCAA). Remember him? Often written off as a first round bust by many, despite the fact he is only 20 years old. He is finally starting to pull all of his game together. Of course, being on the top ranked team in the nation helps, but it also puts a target on your team each weekend. David is playing a big role and getting lots of ice time, and reflective of his good all round play. He always had great skating ability, but never seemed to get that offense going in his first two NCAA seasons. This year, he looks bigger and more confident. He has 9 points in 11 games, after only recording 14 in 45 games last season. He is not overly physical, but is a strong skater and angles forwards out very effectively. Fischer is a big one. I was able to watch a couple of his games in the NCAA tournament last year and what bothered me most was the lack of assertiveness in his play. He stands out on the ice with his size, and smooth skating, but I never saw him step up and initiate any kind of play at either end of the ice. I won't say he's lazy but he's going to need to show some intensity if he wants to take it to the next level. Still, I'm encouraged by these stats - at least it shows he's more involved in the play and a factor in scoring chances. |
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Post by seventeen on Dec 15, 2008 1:51:03 GMT -5
I was talking to one of the assistant coaches on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, about the team and the players, lamenting the fact that I hardly ever go to their games and yet, they've sent 3 first round draft choices to the NHL in the last few years, including Riley Nash, who's still at the WJC camp. The top scorer on the team is Mark Zenderle, a kid from Rochester New York. I mention him because the assistant coach said that Montreal either had 3 guys at a recent game, or had scouted him 3 times this year, can't recall which. The point was that they're very interested in him. What I find odd is that he was born May 12, 1989, so he's 19 right now and will be 20 by the time he's drafted. This guy I was talking to said he's the most talented player on the Silverbacks since Travis Zajac. Fine praise indeed. He's 5' 11" and 172 pounds, so not big, but very skilled. Anyway, it's time I went to watch a game or two. They play the Sweden under 17 team on Jan 7th, so I've gotta get tickets to that one.
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Post by BadCompany on Dec 16, 2008 8:50:32 GMT -5
I was talking to one of the assistant coaches on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, about the team and the players, lamenting the fact that I hardly ever go to their games and yet, they've sent 3 first round draft choices to the NHL in the last few years, including Riley Nash, who's still at the WJC camp. The top scorer on the team is Mark Zenderle, a kid from Rochester New York. I mention him because the assistant coach said that Montreal either had 3 guys at a recent game, or had scouted him 3 times this year, can't recall which. The point was that they're very interested in him. What I find odd is that he was born May 12, 1989, so he's 19 right now and will be 20 by the time he's drafted. This guy I was talking to said he's the most talented player on the Silverbacks since Travis Zajac. Fine praise indeed. He's 5' 11" and 172 pounds, so not big, but very skilled. Anyway, it's time I went to watch a game or two. They play the Sweden under 17 team on Jan 7th, so I've gotta get tickets to that one. You intrigued me enough that I looked him up. He has committed to Wisconsin for next year (good hockey program) and his coach loves him (don't they always?): Mark is one of the best playmakers I have ever coached. He sees the ice very well and will go to high traffic areas to get the puck. He is very competitive and makes others around him better.He doesn't appear to be listed on any scouting services, so I guess he is flying a little under the radar at the moment... but alas, that won't last, as a hockey farm like Salmon Arm is bound to attract a lot of scouts regardless... |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 18, 2008 23:26:45 GMT -5
A trio of Hab defensive prospects on the tube on Friday night.
On TSN, Canada (Subban) is playing Sweden (Torp) in an exhibition junior game. On the NHL Network, Clarkson (Paquet) is up against Bowling Green. Both games are 7:00 pm ET and 5:00 pm MT starts.
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Post by Disp on Dec 19, 2008 23:38:40 GMT -5
Watched the game tonight, Torp is not afraid to throw his body around.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 28, 2008 4:05:28 GMT -5
Frederic St-Denis, an undersized (5'11" 190) 22 year old dman whom they signed to Hamilton this year to an AHL contract had his best game as a pro so far in a big Cyclones win this eve. Not bad either for a guy who came from the Q and one year in the CIS right into 4 games with the Dogs and 14 with the Clones. His three assists tonight means he now has 11 in 14 in the ECHL and 1 in 4 with the Dogs. He likely is miles behind all our defensive prospects, but good to see that depth still being found for nothing but a free agent AHL contract.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jan 3, 2009 11:33:15 GMT -5
David Fischer is having decent season for the University of Minnesota. Having 11 points in 16 games this season. Even more impressive is he only finished only one game with a - rating. He's +12 for the season.
Quailer is producing lately. 4 points in his last 4 games.So far as a freshman this season he's got 12 points in 17 games with a + 5.
After having an amazing 6 goals in his first 6 games defenseman Joe Stejskal goal scoring cooled off but still had 3 assist in the last 6 games.
Patrick Johnson is now far behind his last year's production.He didn't play last night and was relegated to the 4th line at one point.
In the NCAA Andrew Conboy penalty minutes is still up but he is struggling to find his scoring touch he had in the USHL. In 16 games he has 2 goals, 2 assist a -9 with 62 penalty minutes.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jan 7, 2009 12:31:44 GMT -5
Jason Missiaen – 24 GP, 7-13-2, 3.80 GAA, .901 sv% (2 PIM)
Jason Missiaen stats look rather bad until you look at the fact he has already faced over 900 shots in 24 games. That's almost 38 shot a game he has to deal with. What also is not in the stats is that he is playing behind a real young Petes defence (6 rookies i'm pretty sure)For him to have a .901 goals against averageand 3.80 goals is quite impressive.
He's facing alot of rubber and getting the majority of the games in Peterborough. Which is great for his developement IMO.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 7, 2009 22:56:30 GMT -5
PK Subban gets a little one-upmanship on his buddy Tavares tonight, with one helper in a big 8-2 win over Oshawa.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 8, 2009 23:48:22 GMT -5
A nice read from the Hamilton Spectator on the Habs' WJC prospects and their likely next destination at some point...the Bulldogs. Great to hear Torp is interesting in coming over and playing in NA. www.thespec.com/article/491269 |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 9, 2009 0:17:40 GMT -5
Fresh off spanking Tavares and the Generals, PK and the Bulls fire 42 shots at some 6'8" goalie tonight and come away losing 4-2. Oh yeah, that big lanky dude in net is one of ours - Mr Missiaen.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jan 9, 2009 13:54:27 GMT -5
Fresh off spanking Tavares and the Generals, PK and the Bulls fire 42 shots at some 6'8" goalie tonight and come away losing 4-2. Oh yeah, that big lanky dude in net is one of ours - Mr Missiaen. Another 42 shots for this very intriguing prospect. Still a couple of years away but I remember Rollie saying that he was very impressed with his mobilty for a big man and seems quite excited to work on this new project. It's going to be interesting to follow his developement for the next couple of years ,me thinks. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 9, 2009 23:31:15 GMT -5
Quailer with his 5th goal tonight in what is becoming an impressive freshie season at Northeastern. He likely will make my most recent top three that I will post later tonight.
Greg Pateryn and Michigan scheduled to be on NHL Network tomorrow night at the same time as the Habs and then on replay on Sunday at noon eastern. That is if they play the game, as tonight's was postponed.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 9, 2009 23:55:50 GMT -5
My latest instalment of top three prospects from the last month or so:
1. PK Subban - Defence - Belleville/Canada (OHL/WJC). Need I say any more? McKenzie and MacGuire said enough!!
2. Max Pacioretty - Forward - Hamilton/Montreal (AHL/NHL). Max really took quite a while to adapt to the AHL after being one of the last cuts from Montreal's camp. Coach Lever said he was quite hard on himself, but he knew he would come around...and he did. He had 22 points in 31 games and points in 8 of his last 9 when opportunity arose with injuries in the big club. Since making his NHL debut, he potted his first goal on his first shot and got #2 last night alongside the Artiste. 3 points in 4 NHL matches for a kid just turned 20 is pretty fine in my books. Not sure if he will stick once everyone gets healthy, but he seems the most likely of the bunch. The bonus was he got to play in MSG not too far from his family home. How much of a thrill must that have been for the big kid with big promise? Big, fast, good hands and willing to go to the nasty places.
3. Steve Quailer - Forward - Northeastern (NCAA). I do like to mix the list up a bit so that it is not always McDonagh, Pacioretty and Subban (although he is hard to get off my list it seems). Quailer is that intriguing tall, raw prospect from Colorado who is making a really nice mark as a freshman at 4th ranked Northeastern Huskies. His 13 points (5 goals including tonight's penalty shot marker) in 19 games are good for 5th on the team, but only 3 points off top spot. He also boasts a reasonable +4. Not bad for a freshie that most have not really heard of!!
Honourable mention: Olivier Latendresse - Forward - Cincinnati/Hamilton (ECHL/AHL). Gui's older brother was on a nice tear in the ECHL as the league's top point getter when he was called up to Steeltown as part of a domino effect from the Hab injuries. He is very nicely serving notice that he wants to stay once everyone is back from the infirmary. He has helped revitalize David Desharnais' offence once again and Olivier has 4 points in his last 3 games and 9 overall in his 12 games since his call up. David has been up since day one and got a Habs' contract out of the deal, but Olivier and he have some real nice chemistry going right now and that could bode well for the elder Lats.
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